On the abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Maria Shahbaz and the protection of minor girls in Pakistan
B-10-2026-0346
on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Alessandra Moretti
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This resolution expresses concern over the ruling in the case of Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old girl abducted, forcibly converted and married in Pakistan, and calls on Pakistan to eradicate forced conversions and marriages, protect victims, and ensure accountability.¶¶¶ It also urges Pakistan to address root causes, expresses concern at misuse of laws against minorities and civil society, and calls on the EU to raise these issues in the GSP+ dialogue, with possible withdrawal of GSP+ status.¶¶¶
Key points
- Expresses strong concerns over the ruling on Maria Shahbaz and its implications for girls affected by forced conversion and marriage.¶
- Calls on Pakistan to intensify efforts to eradicate forced conversions and marriages, review legislative gaps, enforce laws on child protection, human trafficking and sexual violence, and improve judicial training.¶
- Calls on Pakistan to ensure safe return of abducted girls and provide support including shelters, legal aid, counselling and reintegration.¶
- Urges prompt, impartial investigations into all allegations and accountability for all actors involved.¶
- Calls on Pakistan and the EU to address root causes such as gender inequality, poverty, social exclusion and discrimination, including by expanding access to education, birth registration and social protection.¶
- Expresses concern at use of blasphemy, anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws against minorities and civil society; urges Pakistan to uphold rule of law and fair trials, and end arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances.¶
- Calls on the EU to raise these issues in the EU-Pakistan GSP+ dialogue and recalls that failure to implement human rights commitments should result in withdrawal of GSP+ status.¶
Who is affected
- Minor girls in Pakistan, particularly those at risk of forced conversion and marriage.¶¶
- Human rights defenders and minorities in Pakistan, who face arbitrary detention and legal proceedings.¶¶
- The Pakistani Government, which is called on to take measures and ensure accountability.¶¶¶
- The EU, which is called on to support measures and raise issues in the GSP+ dialogue.¶¶